Pillow customization system and method

ABSTRACT

A method of pillow customization includes analyzing shapes associated with people through the use of sensors to create analytical data; receiving photos from a subject user through a first computing device and a server; determining a firmness of a mattress of the subject user based on the photos; determining body measurements of the subject based on the photos through one or more algorithms and a second computing device; providing the subject user with a pillow diagram, the pillow diagram having one or more zones, each of the one or more zones being customizable in firmness; receiving one or more subject user inputted selections through the first computing device; and designing a pillow based on the firmness of the mattress, the body measurements, and the one or more subject user inputted characteristics, the pillow being customized to the subject user.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to pillows, and morespecifically, to a pillow customization system and method for providinga user with a completely custom pillow that suits their needs, mattressfirmness, and body. The system and method of the present inventionprovides for a customized pillow that will reduce sleeplessness due tocrooked necks, unsupported neck discomfort, and overall general userdiscomfort.

2. Description of Related Art

Pillows are well known in the art and are effective means to providecomfort to a user during rest and sleep. For example, FIG. 1 depicts aconventional pillow 101 having a body 103 on which the user rests theirhead during use. Pillow 101 has many shortcomings, including generaluser dissatisfaction.

It should be appreciated that many people suffer from trouble sleepingor staying asleep, one cause of which is an ill-fitting pillow. Thereare a variety of buying options when it comes to pillows including size,shape, firmness, covering, fillers, and the like. However, these optionshave conventionally been combined into a few selections for users.Therefore, the user is forced to make an arbitrary selection, likelyleading to future discomfort.

In addition, conventional pillow selections are not appropriate for allsleeping positions. People may primarily sleep either on their back,their stomach, or their sides. However, many rotate sleeping positionsthroughout the night. A perfectly sized pillow will keep a side-sleepingperson's head aligned with their spine and will keep a back-sleepingperson's head aligned with their spine as well. Since there is generallynot a pillow that can accommodate both positions, the person will find acrook in their neck when they wake up or even have difficulty sleepingbecause of the discomfort.

In addition, pillows ideally need to be matched with a person's bed—thesame pillows that suit a person on their bed would not suit that sameperson if they bought a new bed (with a new firmness) or slept in adifferent bed. A person buying a pillow online or in a store, even ifthey test the pillow in the store, cannot know if that pillow will suitthem at home and keep their spine in alignment.

Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area ofpillows, many shortcomings remain, and a custom solution is needed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of thepresent application are set forth in the appended claims. However, theembodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and furtherobjectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by referenceto the following detailed description when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a common pillow;

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic of a pillow customization system inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram of a data collection and analysis systemfor collecting data to be used in mattress firmness determination of thesystem of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a graph of pressure associated with the diagram of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are representative diagrams depicting spine alignmentcaused by pillows that are too firm, ideal, and too soft;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are front diagrams of measurement collection from photosachieved via the system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a side diagram of measurement collection from photos achievedvia the system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a side diagram of measurement collection from lying downphotos achieved via the system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a front diagram of measurement collection from lying downphotos achieved via the system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic of the features of a platform of FIG.2;

FIG. 11 is a plurality of diagrams of pillow shapes and zonescontemplated for use with the system of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are back diagram views depicting proper spinealignment achieved via pillow customization;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are side diagram views depicting proper spinealignment achieved via pillow customization;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method of use of the system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 15 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a pillow inaccordance with the present application;

FIG. 16. is a side view of the pillow of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a pillow inaccordance with the present application;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are end cross sectional views of the pillow of FIG.17;

FIG. 19 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a customizedpillow in accordance with the present application;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the customizedpillow of FIG. 19; and

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a method of user adjustment associated withany of the embodiments of customized pillows of the present invention.

While the system and method of use of the present application issusceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specificembodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawingsand are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however,that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended tolimit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on thecontrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the presentapplication as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the presentapplication are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that inthe development of any actual embodiment, numerousimplementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve thedeveloper's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related andbusiness-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation toanother. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effortmight be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routineundertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure.

The system and method of use in accordance with the present applicationovercomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonlyassociated with conventional pillows. Specifically, the presentinvention provides for complete pillow customization based on userphotographs and user inputted selections and data. These and otherunique features of the system and method of use are discussed below andillustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The system and method of use will be understood, both as to itsstructure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken inconjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments ofthe system are presented herein. It should be understood that variouscomponents, parts, and features of the different embodiments may becombined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which arewithin the scope of the present application, even though not allvariations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. Itshould also be understood that the mixing and matching of features,elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expresslycontemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art wouldappreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/orfunctions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodimentas appropriate, unless described otherwise.

The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Itis chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention andits application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art tofollow its teachings.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identifycorresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIG. 2depicts a schematic of a pillow customization system 201 in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will beappreciated that system 201 overcomes one or more of the above-listedproblems commonly associated with conventional pillows.

In the contemplated embodiment, system 201 includes a subject user 203for which a customized pillow is to be designed. The system isconfigured to collect data from the user, process the data, andcustomize the pillow.

Prior to receiving data from a user, the system is configured to conductan analysis on the major different kinds of human body shapes, therebycreating analytical data 205, which is used during the data analysis. Asshown in FIG. 3, this process is completed through the use of a platform301 (such as a mattress or the like), wherein a plurality of cells 303make up the platform, each cell 303 including a sensor 305 configured tocommunicate with a computing device 207. The plurality of sensors can beany sensor configured to detect a weight of a person lying thereon,including a load cell such as a FlexiForce A502 Sensor.

During use, the plurality of cells 303 collect load data, therebyresulting in a graph 401 as shown in FIG. 4, demonstrating the relativepercentage of weight distributed over the height of the person lyingthereon by showing the approximate load per section of the body 403. Theside sleeper has a lot more weight per square inch than the back sleeperso the force is greater causing the boding to sink more around theshoulders and torso than the back sleeper. This data is used during theanalysis, to determine a firmness of the subject user's mattress, whichis critical in proper pillow development. As will be discussed herein,using the measurements of a subject user when they are standing (frontalview) and (side view), then comparing it to the photos of them laying ontheir side and back from the side view, the system is configured todetermine the softness of the mattress accurately which will help tocalculate the needed factors to properly design a pillow that willcustom work for their body shape, body weight and the firmness of theirmattress.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the subject user 203 uses a computing device209 with a platform 211 to upload photos and user selections 213 to aserver 215 configured to process data 216 through a database 217 andcomputing device 207.

Once the photos are taken by the subject user on the computing device,the photos are uploaded to be processed with computing device 207 andassociated software and algorithms. The photos are assign a customernumber and will be scheduled for manual or automatic digitization tocapture the required measurements and adjust them based upon thestandard card the user is holding in the photos. After the photos withthem laying on their mattress are analyzed the corrected measurementsfor the pillow will be created. The program will adjust each measurementbased upon the size of the credit card, based on the firmness of themattress, based upon the weight of the individual plus their body typeand based upon the compressibility of the selected filler material.

Once the digitization of the measurements are automated, the system isconfigured to automatically blur out the faces before storing the photosto keep each person's privacy intact. Further, any names/numbersassociated with credit cards will further be blurred.

The subject user 203 receives directions on how to take photos throughthe platform. The computer/server/database are configured to process thephotos to determine a mattress firmness and subject user measurements221. Based on the determined mattress firmness, subject usermeasurements, and user inputted data, the pillow design 219 is developedand further proceeded to manufacture 223.

To simplify capturing the measurements of a person and the firmness oftheir bed, having a subject user take several photos of themselves intheir home environment solves the problem. A big challenge to overcomewhen analyzing a photo is the size and dimensions of various objects.One solution is to have people hold a ruler or a tape measure in eachphoto, however, this may not be convenient for all users. Accordingly, acommon object nearly everyone has is a credit card. They are a standardsize worldwide of 2⅛ by 3⅛. By having the person hold one during eachphoto, the relative distances of each measurement can be made. Thelength and width can be measured and use that to determine the rest ofthe measurements on each photo. Each customer will be given the choiceof several common standard objects such as coins, dollar bills, creditcards, or smart phones to be used as a measurement standard.

The subject user will be provided with sample photos, instructionalvideos and written instructions as to how to create each required photo.The user will further be shown what the finished photo should look likeand provided with a quick checklist to make sure they take the requiredphotos and have followed the instructions for each photo, such asholding the credit card by the corner.

It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believedcharacteristic of the present application is the use of user providedphotos, along with user inputted selections, to develop a fullycustomizable pillow.

In FIGS. 5A and 5B, diagrams 501, 503 are shown depicting visualrepresentation of spine alignment caused by having a pillow that is toofirm 505, 507, too soft 509, 511, and ideal 513, 515. It should beappreciated that the proper pillow firmness based on the usermeasurements, and the user mattress firmness, provides the user with apillow that aligns the user spine properly, thereby preventingdiscomfort.

One of the unique features believed characteristic of the presentinvention is the ability to calculate the firmness of the subject user'smattress. This is important because a person testing out a pillow on amattress who then buys a pillow could have a completely different resultwhen they use their pillow at home, since their mattress may besignificantly different from the one they tried at the store. Forexample, if the user's mattress is firmer than the mattress in thestore, the pillow will be too thick, if the user's mattress is softerthan the mattress at the store, the pillow will be too low since thepillow sinks into the mattress more. Accordingly, the firmness of auser's mattress is determined by measuring from the photos they submitof how much their bed compresses due to their body weight, this firmnessfactor is used to adjust and customize the measurements of their pillowso it keeps their head in alignment with their spine. Furthermore, whena pillow is purchased online, the purchaser has no idea whether thepillow will adequately support their neck in either the back or sidesleeper position, or whether the pillow will be adequately sized basedon the firmness of their bed.

In FIGS. 6A and 6B, diagrams of subject user front facing photos 601,603 are shown with the user's legs apart and together respectively. Thesystem is configured to determine one or more measurements, including adistance (A) from outside of the subject user's left shoulder to a firstedge of the subject user's head; a distance (D) from outside of thesubject user's right shoulder to a second edge of the subject user'shead; a distance (B) from outside of a left part of the subject user'shead to a left side of the subject user's neck; a distance (C) fromoutside of a right part of the subject user's head to a right side ofthe subject user's neck; a distance from a top of the user's head to thebottom of their chin (E); a width (G) of the subject user's shoulders; awidth (H) of the subject user's waist; a width (J) of the subject user'ships; a height 517 from the user's chin to a top of their head; and awidth (F) from a first side to a second side of the user's head.

Additional measurements taken can include: a distance between the user'sthighs (N); a distance between the user's knees (P); and a distancebetween the user's ankles (Q) when the user is standing with their legsapart. These measurements are further compared with a distance betweenthe user's thighs (N2); a distance between the user's knees (P2); and adistance between the user's ankles (Q2) when the user is standing withtheir legs together.

The plurality of measurements are compared within the computing deviceand software to determine needed angles associated with the user's body,these angles shown as (K), (r1), (s1), (r2), and (s2) in the diagrams.This provides needed data for the system to calculate the needed pillowdetails.

In FIG. 7, a diagram 701 of a subject user from a side perspective isshown. The system is configured to determine one or more measurements,including a distance (T) from a back of the subject user's neck to aback of the subject user's head; and a distance (U) from a back of thesubject user's head to a back of the subject user's back; a length (V)from a front to back of the user's head; a distance from a back of thesubject user's neck to the user's back (W); a chest depth from a frontof the user's chest to the user's back (X); a depth of the user's waist(Y); and a depth of the user's hips (Z).

Additional measurements can include: a distance from the user's ear totheir shoulder (AA); a distance from the user's jaw to the base of theirneck (BB); and a distance from a front to back of the user's neck (CC).Again, it should be appreciated that the measurements are used tocalculate angles (a); (b) to determine the subject user's shape, andtherefore calculate the best pillow features.

In FIGS. 8 and 9, diagrams 801, 901 depicts lying down diagrams of thesubject user photos, wherein even more measurements are calculated.These measurements to include: a distance from a front of the user'shead to the back of the user's head (DD); a distance from the front ofthe user's chest to their back (EE); a distance from a front to back ofthe user's hips (FF); a distance from a side to side of the user's head(GG); a distance from a top of the user's upward shoulder to the bed(HH); a distance from a top of the user's hips to the bed (II); adistance from a top of the user's waist to the bed (JJ); and a distancefrom the top of the user's knees to the bed (KK). It should beappreciated that additional calculations, including a pillow thicknessfrom the side when the user is lying on their back (LL) and also whenthe user is lying on their side (MM), can be taken.

Again, these measurements and photos are used to calculate angles (a),(b), (p), (q) associated with the user's body.

By measuring the size of the neck and the location of the neck relativeto their back when laying on their back and to their shoulder whensleeping on their side, the correct neck support can be provided so thehead and neck are in alignment with the spine. This helps sleepers go tosleep faster, suffer less discomfort and feel more rested without theclassic crook in their neck. These measurements determine the size ofthe neck support and account for the compressibility of the pillow, thecompressibility of the mattress, the weight of the individual and thedistribution of their weight on their neck and their head.

In FIG. 10, a simplified schematic depicts the user platform 211configured to receive the photos and user inputted selections based oninstructions and pillow diagrams 1002. The platform 1011 is configuredto take and transfer photos 1001. The photos are to include bothstanding positions 1003 of the subject user, as well as lying downpositions 1005 of the subject user. The lying down photos show the useron their mattress, thereby providing data to determine mattressfirmness, as described above. From the photos, the server is configuredto analyze, using one or more algorithms, to determine subject usermeasurements 1007.

The instructions provided to the user can include instructing the userto hold a device, such as a credit card in order to provide a referencesize, instructions on what to wear, what colors to wear, what picturesto take, long hair directions, and facial hair directions. The platformcan further provide instructions for the lying down photo capturing,including providing direction on camera angle, camera distance, sheetcolor, and wall colors.

Platform 211 is further configured to receive subject user selections1009, the selections including one or more 1011 of: (1) subject userweight; (2) firmness selection associated with one or more zones of apillow diagram; (3) desired filler material selection, such ashypoallergenic or breathable; (4) desired pillow size and shapeselection; (5) temperature selection, wherein the user selects from oneof cooling, warming, and neutral; (6) sleep partner selection, such aswhether the subject user sleeps with a partner and/or a pet; and (7)desired pillow function selection, such as whether the pillow is to beused as a head pillow, back pillow, front pillow, between the legspillow, or travel pillow. It is contemplated that any number of otherselections could be provided, such as the option for a cover and thematerial of the cover, the options including color, pattern type ofmaterial, sweat retardant solutions, quality of material, thread count,bamboo, or any other material.

It is contemplated that possible materials for use, can include foam,memory foam, cubes of foam, polyester fibers, goose down, cotton, latex,hypoallergenic, features, buckwheat husks, or any other material.

In FIG. 11, a plurality of pillow diagrams 1101, 1103, 1105, 1107 areshown, wherein each diagram has a specified shape and includes aplurality of zones. Through the platform, the user can make selectionsof what zones they want firm or soft, as well as select a desired shape.It is contemplated that any number of shapes and/or zones could be usedherein. It is contemplated that each zone can have its own access viazipper, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or other connection solution.This will allow someone to adjust the pillow to their own liking if thepillow changes shape or the filling loses some of its shape over time.

In FIGS. 12A and 12B, back views depict diagrams 1201, 1203 that showproper alignment of the user's spine as achieved when the user isprovided with two customized pillows (a head and leg pillow) to correctspine alignment.

In FIGS. 13A and 13B, side views depict diagrams 1301, 1303 that showproper alignment of the user's spine as achieved when the user isprovided with a customized pillow.

In FIG. 14, a flowchart 1401 depicts a method associated with system201. During use, the system analyzes the plurality of shapes of peopleto create data for use, as shown with box 1403. When a person desires tocreate a customized pillow, the subject user uses the platform toprovide photos, as shown with box 1405. The system then processes data,with one or more algorithms, to determine a mattress firmness, and bodymeasurements, as shown with boxes 1407, 1409. The user is then providedwith one or more pillow diagrams, wherein the user can provide userinputted selections, as shown with boxes 1411, 1413. Based on all datareceived, a customized pillow is designed, manufactured, and provided tothe subject user, as shown with box 1415.

In FIGS. 15 and 16, top and side views of a pillow 1501 as developed viathe system of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, thepillow 1501 has four sections, wherein the sections provides foralternative sleeping positions for the user. In this embodiment, section1503 is to be used for a side sleeper neck rest, section 1505 is to beused for a side sleeper head rest, section 1507 is to be used for a backsleeper head rest, and section 1509 is to be used for a back sleeperneck rest. It should be appreciated that during use, the user merelyrotates the pillow 180 degrees to switch between back and side sleeping.As shown in FIG. 16, the pillow has different fill levels based on thesleeping position intended for use. The sections are integrally securedtogether and the pillow can be configured to open on one or more sidesto allow for filling of the sections.

In FIGS. 17 and 18, another alternative pillow 1701 is shown having aplurality of sections, wherein the sections provide for alternativesleeping positions by the user. FIG. 18A is an end view of pillow 1701showing cross section 1711. FIG. 18B is an opposite end view of pillow1701 showing cross section 1713. In this embodiment, section 1703 is tobe used for a side sleeper head rest, section 1705 is to be used as aside sleeper neck rest, section 1707 is to be used as a back sleeperhead rest, and section 1709 is to be used as a back sleeper neck rest.This configuration allows for the user to merely move to the side anduse a different half of the pillow based on their desired sleepingposition.

In FIGS. 19 and 20, an alternative embodiment of a pillow 1901 createdthrough system 201 is shown. It should be appreciated that the featuresof pillow 1901 can be combined or used throughout the other embodimentsof the present application, further, the features of the previousembodiments could be incorporated into pillow 1901. Pillow 1901 caninclude a pillow body 1902 that extends from a first end 1903 to asecond end 1905. In this embodiment, an interior side wall 1907 isincorporated therein, wherein the sidewall is more rigid than the restof the pillow. The sidewall 1907 provides for structural integrity ofthe pillow that prevents the sides of the pillow from caving in overtime.

As shown better in FIG. 20, a top surface 2001 of pillow 1901 tapersfrom end 1905 to 1903. This taper provides for a thicker area where theuser will rest their head. As the user lays their head on pillow 1901,the pillow will flatten out. Further, the pillow can include one or moreopenings 2002 that can be configured to open via devices such aszippers, hook and loop closures, or the like.

In FIG. 21, a flowchart 2101 depicts a method associated with any of theembodiments of a customized pillow disused herein. It is contemplatedthat the user can be provided with additional fiber that fills thepillow, thereby allowing for the user to add or remove fiber as desired.As shown, the user will utilize system 201 to create a custom pillow, asshown with box 2103. The user will receive their customized pillow alongwith one or more predetermined amounts of fiber, as shown with box 2105.The user will further receive instructions that direct the user how toadd or remove fiber as needed based on their preferences, as shown withbox 2107. As desired by the user, they can add or remove fiber to changetheir customized pillow at home, as shown with box 2109.

The system of the present invention provides for pillow customization,which provides for a plurality of benefits. The pillow can further becustomized, wherein the pillow is appropriate for sleeping in multiplepositions, wherein the user can orient the pillow at different angles tofit their particular need.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as theembodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalentmanners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of theteachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particularembodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all suchvariations are considered within the scope and spirit of theapplication. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forthin the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above,they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable tovarious changes and modifications without departing from the spiritthereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of pillow customization, the methodcomprising: analyzing a plurality of shapes associated with peoplethrough the use of a plurality of sensors to create a database ofanalytical data; receiving a plurality of photos from a subject userthrough a first computing device and a server; determining a firmness ofa mattress of the subject user based on the plurality of photos and theanalytical data; determining a plurality of body measurements of thesubject based on the plurality of photos through one or more algorithmsand a second computing device; providing the subject user with a pillowdiagram, the pillow diagram having one or more zones, each of the one ormore zones being customizable in firmness; receiving one or more subjectuser inputted selections through the first computing device; designing apillow based on the firmness of the mattress, the plurality of bodymeasurements, and the one or more subject user inputted selections, thepillow being customized to the subject user; and creating the pillowwith a tapered top surface wherein a first end of the pillow is thickerthan a second end.
 2. A method of pillow customization, the methodcomprising: analyzing a plurality of shapes associated with peoplethrough the use of a plurality of sensors to create a database ofanalytical data; receiving a plurality of photos from a subject userthrough a first computing device and a server; determining a firmness ofa mattress of the subject user based on the plurality of photos and theanalytical data; determining a plurality of body measurements of thesubject based on the plurality of photos through one or more algorithmsand a second computing device; providing the subject user with a pillowdiagram, the pillow diagram having one or more zones, each of the one ormore zones being customizable in firmness; receiving one or more subjectuser inputted selections through the first computing device; designing apillow based on the firmness of the mattress, the plurality of bodymeasurements, and the one or more subject user inputted selections, thepillow being customized to the subject user; and creating the pillowwith a sidewall incorporated into a body of the pillow, the sidewallproviding structural integrity for the body of the pillow.
 3. A methodof pillow customization, the method comprising: analyzing a plurality ofshapes associated with people through the use of a plurality of sensorsto create a database of analytical data; receiving a plurality of photosfrom a subject user through a first computing device and a server;determining a firmness of a mattress of the subject user based on theplurality of photos and the analytical data; determining a plurality ofbody measurements of the subject based on the plurality of photosthrough one or more algorithms and a second computing device; providingthe subject user with a pillow diagram, the pillow diagram having one ormore zones, each of the one or more zones being customizable infirmness; receiving one or more subject user inputted selections throughthe first computing device; designing a pillow based on the firmness ofthe mattress, the plurality of body measurements, and the one or moresubject user inputted selections, the pillow being customized to thesubject user; and providing the pillow to the subject user along with apredetermined amount of fiber; wherein the fiber is configured to beadded to the pillow as desired by the subject user.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, further comprising: providing the subject user withinstructions; wherein the instructions provide the subject user withguidance for the addition of the fiber into the pillow.